“Clever, beautifully written and superbly plotted, this is an entertaining page-turner” featuring rival detectives on the trail of a missing husband (Lancashire Evening Post).

How do you prove a murder without a body?

Ten years ago, Reece Bower was accused of killing his wife, a crime he always denied. Extensive police searches near his home in Bakewell found no trace of Annette Bower’s remains, and the case against him collapsed.

But now memories of the original investigation have been resurrected for Detective Inspector Ben Cooper—because Reece Bower himself has disappeared, and his new wife wants answers.

Cooper can’t call on the Major Crime Unit and DS Diane Fry for help unless he can prove a murder took place—impossible without a body. As his search moves into the caves and abandoned mines in the isolated depths of Lathkilldale, the question is: who would want revenge for the death of Annette Bower?

Praise for Stephen Booth:

“One of Britain’s best crime writers.” —Sunday Telegraph

“A modern master of rural noir.” —The Guardian

“Terrific. An atmospheric, psychological stunner.” —The Bookseller



“Clockwork suspense in a riveting setting.” —Booklist

“Suspenseful and supremely engaging.” —Los Angeles Times